§ 75. Colonel Clifton Brownasked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, what steps are being taken in Scotland to destroy foxes in the afforested areas in order to minimise losses among sheep flocks during the lambing season?
§ Colonel Sir George Courthope (Forestry Commissioner)To keep down the number of foxes in their afforested areas in Scotland the Forestry Commissioners make payments to their employés for foxes killed, invite the co-operation of sporting tenants in fox drives and subscribe to vermin clubs.
§ Sir G. CourthopeI cannot answer that question. The planting of large areas gives opportunities for the increase of vermin of all kinds.
§ Miss WilkinsonMay I ask whether the first part of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's answer meant that the Forestry Commissioners actually pay for foxes to be shot?
§ Sir G. CourthopeWe give a small reward for the killing of foxes and other vermin in the districts where foxes are vermin.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir Mervyn Manningham-BullerWill my hon. and gallant Friend enlist the support of the Anti-Blood Sports Society who, apparently, wish to destroy all the foxes in Great Britain?